Run in Waterdown honours man who lost battle with mental health, addiction

It was an emotional day in Waterdown on Sunday as family and friends of Chris Owens gathered at Joe Sam’s Park for the second annual run in his honour.

A quick dance party set the mood for the event, with all proceeds of the run going to The Hub Hamilton.

Family and friends gathered to remember Owens as an energetic and passionate person after he lost his battle with mental health and addiction two years ago.

Owens’ mom Sandy Owens said that hosting a running event for mental health and addiction was something he always wanted to do.

“Chris was a runner, and that was one of the tools to help him settle down, to calm down. He would just run forever to just escape his inner demons if you will,” Sandy said.

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Last years’ event had over 300 people in attendance and raised nearly $50,000 in support of St. Joe’s Mental Health and Addiction Services.

“The support is just wonderful. It just warms my heart. There are so many faces here that I recognize but there are also a lot of people that I don’t recognize that weren’t here last year which means that we’re reaching out,” Sandy said.

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Over 400 people registered for this year’s event and it has so far raised over $35,000 with all the proceeds going to The Hub Hamilton’s youth programs.

Director of youth services at The Hub, Liz Pfisterer said the money is going directly to front-line services specifically for youth.

“Giving them an opportunity to do some outdoor activities like things that Chris really enjoyed and just connecting with more of a nature approach to support is something we haven’t had an opportunity to offer them until today,” Pfisterer said.